Dogs are, as the old saying goes, man’s best friend. That should be, of course, a human’s best friend, and as many single people know, a dog can be even more than just a good companion that does not hog the remote or demand trips to expensive restaurants, they can be a key to helping their human stay happy and healthy, both mentally and physically.
Lots of single folks found this to be especially true during the pandemic. Having a pup gave them someone to hang out with, someone to exercise with, even someone to talk to. And these big advantages remain, even afterwards
However, before heading to the local shelter to find your new best friend, it helps to take some time to figure out just which dog breeds might be best suited to your single lifestyle. Of the hundreds of dog breeds you can choose from, some make far better ‘one person’ pups than others. To help you get that research started, here’s a look at our top picks for best one person dogs.
Best One Person Dog for City Singles: Bulldog
If you are living the single life in the city life – especially if you live in an apartment, – some dogs, however appealing, just won’t thrive in that environment, and meeting their needs might be hard for you both.
There are some pups, however, who will seem born to apartment living who can also offer all the love, loyalty, fun and companionship you are looking for. One of our favorites is the bulldog.
Bulldogs are squishy, chubby, some might say slightly lazy pups who love nothing more than chilling out with their pet parent in front of the TV. They are funny, affectionate and much smarter than their faces might make them seem.
They also make great apartment dogs because they don’t need, or even like, long walks. They do like walks, but short ones, meaning that a trip to a local dog park, or just a couple of times around the block, should give them all the exercise they need.
The one thing that a bulldog will benefit from if he lives in an apartment is good air-conditioning, as bulldogs, like other short snouted breeds, do not do well in the heat. As long as you can provide him with that – and plenty of heat in the winter – you’ll have one of the best couch buddies that are also great comedians, you could ever wish for.
Best One Owner Dog for Rural Singles: Border Collie
If living closer to the great outdoors is your thing, and you like to get out and get active, you’ll need a one-person dog who’ll be happy to keep up with you, and who will also enjoy plenty of outdoor pursuits. Border Collies are an excellent choice here.
Often referred to as the smartest dog breed of all, these agile, intelligent pups love to be outside, but they also love having a job, thanks to centuries of being bred to be working dogs. This means that they excel at all kinds of dog sports, and can easily keep up with their pet parents when hiking, fishing, swimming and more.
If you love to be outdoors in your free time, a Border Collie will be right there with you. But they are also very loyal and affectionate pups who are happy to snuggle at the end of the day. The one thing they do need is mental stimulation, so if they will be alone at some points of the day, you’ll need to meet that need with some good puzzle toys that will help keep their minds occupied.
Best One Person Dog for Single Parents: Golden Retriever
Can’t keep the pup-arazzi away.
Single parents have a lot of responsibilities and are very busy people. If they are considering adding a dog to their family, they will need to keep the kids in mind too, as well as the amount of time they have to devote to the pup’s exercise needs and their temperament around children.
A very popular choice for families is the Golden Retriever. Although these pups require quite a lot of exercise, and room to run, they are rarely aggressive and usually love kids (and kids love them right back). They are also intelligent and obedient and usually need less training than many other pups.
Kids will love Golden Retrievers because they love to play, and will happily catch a frisbee or a football, for hours. However, they also enjoy being a part of a family, and will enjoy curling up to watch TV with their human pack just as much.
Goldens do need regular brushing, as their coats are thick and full, but if you make that the kids’ job instead of yours, even that becomes a fun activity rather than a chore.
Best One Person Dog for Singles Working Out of the Home: French Bulldogs
More and more people are now returning to their usual 9-5 office lives, which means for them, they’ll need to find a one-person dog who can manage being left alone. And while no dog really likes being left on his own for too long, some do cope better than others.
The French Bulldog is a great example. They are very affectionate, and they do love their humans when they are around. But, the chances are that when they are not, they’ll be quite happy to nap their time away until they return.
French bulldogs are also great one person dogs for singles working away from home because they won’t want a long walk at the end of the day. A short stroll – and maybe a quick game of catch – is almost all most French Bulldogs need – and as that can be an excellent way to unwind at the end of a busy day, then their human will benefit too.
French bulldogs are notoriously prone to breathing problems, but as long as they are cool in the summer, warm in the winter and get their regular checkups at the vet most French bulldogs live long, happy lives and will always be that happy to see you face that is so wonderful to see at the end of a long, hard day.
Best One Person Dogs for Older Singles: A Mutt
A cute schnauzer terrier crossbreed
If you are an older single, looking for a less active pup as a companion, why not consider sharing your home with one of the many senior mutts who are looking for homes at shelters across the country?
Mutts often combine the best traits of several breeds, and tend to be hardier than many purebreds. A senior dog will be less active, and much of the puppy naughtiness that can be frustrating for pet parents is something they grew out of.
Senior dogs make excellent companions, and while they might need a few more vet visits, a good diet and moderate exercise will go a long way towards keeping them happy and healthy.
There are lots of research studies that demonstrate the health benefits having a dog offers to older humans too, so older singles are likely to be happier and healthier too.
Mutts come in all shapes and sizes, and shelters are usually great at helping pet parents figure out which pup will suit them best.
In addition to all of these benefits, you’ll be welcoming a pup who might not otherwise have known a loving home again, and that in itself is a wonderful thing.
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